The knowledge you need
We’ve gone through our entire track, transforming what were once just C notes into a whole musical arrangement, all the while throwing you the theory knowledge you need to do the same.
So what now? Don’t forget to try transposing the entire track. We’ve kept to C major for demonstrative purposes, as it’s easier to see how the scale functions using all the white notes – but try transposing every note in the entire tune by the same amount, and experimenting with anchoring it in different scales. Remember to check the lowest notes when you do this, though: make sure you’re hitting the right bass notes.
We’ve gone further ourselves, too. We’ve made small refinements and messed with fine details, and over the page we’ll describe every small change and how it works to make the whole track better. We’ve also included a playthrough video of our finished version to check out yourself.
Need more theory knowledge, then? There’s plenty every month in thanks to Dave Clews’ Easy Guide, and we’ve also put out a few music theory features over the past couple of years. For more on
Chords and Scales, check out 234, or to learn how to Play Keyboard Like a Pro, why not check out our huge hands-on video course in 255?
We’ve also got you covered for arrangement tips and inspiration topics.
Arrange the Perfect Track ( 229) will guide you through the process of turning loops into tunes, and Finish Tracks Faster ( 235) will help you get it all done in less time. You can grab these issues, complete with their videos, in digital form via Apple or Google Play Newsstand, or on Zinio.